EU marine protected areas: the challenge of turning the tide from paper to the sea

The EU’s marine protected areas often fail to receive effective protection, and the EU is unlikely to meet its 2030 marine conservation targets, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). Despite ambitious biodiversity commitments and a gradually expanding network of protected areas, many sites lack adequate conservation measures and climate adaptation planning, and report problems with staff and funding. Stakeholder involvement has become more inclusive but remains inconsistent, thus further limiting the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of marine conservation efforts.

“The EU has made some progress in designating marine protected areas, but our audit shows that the true challenge is turning designation into actual protection. Turning political ambition into tangible results for marine ecosystems will require faster action, applicable protective measures, and a more coherent network across the EU’s seas,” said Iliana Ivanova, the ECA Member in charge of the audit. “To ensure that marine protected areas function effectively, we need the European Commission and member states to join forces, as well as engagement with local stakeholders.”

The auditors warn that the EU is unlikely to meet its 2030 target of protecting 30 % of marine waters, with strict protection for 10 % of the total. Currently, around 14 % of EU marine waters are designated as protected, and less than 1 % as strictly protected. The auditors also found that the existing network is not working as a coherent ecological system, and that key offshore and deep-sea habitats are still inadequately protected.

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